Mortgage Article Library

Home equity loans work best for one‑time, fixed costs and stable payments, while HELOCs fit phased or uncertain expenses but add payment and rate risk if you overspend or rates rise.

Use this home affordability calculator to turn your income, monthly debts and down payment into a home price you can realistically afford. Below, we walk through each field, explain every number in your results and show how lenders read the same math.

Understanding mortgage refinancing helps you secure the right funding for your future financial goals.

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone but can also feel overwhelming. Buyers must navigate mortgage options, find the right property, manage closing logistics, and coordinate moving in.

This guide explains how your debt-to-income ratio affects your mortgage — from your approval odds to the rate you're offered — and the steps you can take to improve it before you apply.

Understanding mortgage points can be the difference between paying thousands more or less in interest over your loan's lifetime.

From 20% down payments to government loan programs, multiple strategies can eliminate PMI.

Having bad credit doesn't mean you can't buy a home.

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest financial decisions—and it's surprisingly easy to make costly mistakes.

Serving your country takes sacrifice, so the government rightfully established several benefit programs to recognize your dedication.

Buying your first house is a major life milestone and financial transaction.

When buying a home with less than 20% down, you'll likely encounter mortgage insurance—a cost that protects your lender but adds to your monthly payment.

Understanding fixed vs adjustable rate mortgage options helps you choose the right financing for your home purchase.

Choosing the right mortgage lender is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make as a homebuyer.

Understanding balloon mortgage options helps you evaluate unique financing structures with lower initial payments.

For years, the down payment has been the biggest thing standing between renters and a mortgage. That's starting to change.

Learn what a mortgage is, how payments and amortization work, which loan types fit common situations, and how to shop smarter before you apply

Learn how home equity works and compare loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinancing. Then decide when tapping equity supports your goals.

Getting a mortgage is an important step when you need to buy a home, as few people can afford to pay for a house entirely in cash.

Navigating the home-buying process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers.

Getting a mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially if you're buying your first home.

A second mortgage can be a powerful financial tool when you need to access your home's equity for major expenses.

Also known as “prefab” or prefabricated homes, manufactured homes are built in factories. Unlike traditional homes, which are constructed on-site with a permanent foundation, manufactured homes are put together on a temporary chassis and then transported to the site where they are installed.

Knowing what to look for when buying a house means matching the right property type, size, and budget to your actual life — not following a one-size-fits-all checklis

Even a 1% rate difference can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. For example, on a $400,000 30-year mortgage, moving from 6.5% to 7.5% can mean roughly $95K–$100K in additional interest, depending on fees and exact loan terms.

If you judge the housing market solely by recent headlines, you might conclude the "American Dream" of homeownership has flatlined.

You've served your country, earned your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and are finally ready to buy a home. But when you sit down with your real estate agent, you hear a disheartening warning: Sellers in this market prefer conventional loans or cash. A VA offer might get pushed to the bottom of the pile.

Investment property loans cost more and require stronger credit, bigger down payments, and solid reserves, but they can build long‑term wealth if you buy conservatively and stress‑test cash flow.

In 2026, mortgage rates remain one of the most important factors in the cost of buying or refinancing a home. Even a 0.5% difference in rate can mean paying or saving tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. That’s why understanding how to get a lower mortgage rate is key to smart home financing.

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Finding the perfect home, putting together a down payment, and getting approved for a mortgage - it’s a lot of work and the financial burden adds up quickly. The good news is that first time buyers have special programs designed just for them. We’ll explain everything you need to know about how to qualify for them.

Refinancing typically costs 3% to 6% of your loan, often $9,000 or more on an average mortgage, and most of that goes to fees you can actually shop around for or negotiate down. Whether it's worth it comes down to how long you'll stay in the home versus your break-even point.

Student loans don't disqualify you from getting a mortgage, but how your lender calculates your qualifying payment can vary significantly by loan program. Comparing programs like Fannie Mae, FHA, and VA loans, and getting pre-approved early, can make the difference between approval and denial.

Zero-down home loans let you finance 100% of a home's purchase price, but closing costs, higher interest, and cash reserve requirements still apply. Choose the right loan type for your situation and make sure you can cover the costs that come after closing.

A low mortgage rate can feel like a thing of the past, unless you can take over one that already exists. That’s the appeal of an assumable mortgage. Instead of applying for a brand new loan at today’s rates, a buyer may be able to step into the seller’s existing mortgage, including its lower interest rate and remaining loan terms.